Shan Shui Jian Tea Shop (AliExpress)

Ashmanra’s sipdown challenge – March 2023 Tea #7 – A single origin tea

A sipdown I REALLY didn’t want to do.  I love this tea.  I feel like harvests just aren’t like this anymore.  New harvests of black teas from anywhere just don’t seem to have the depth and nuance that even these faded ancient teas STILL have.   Three solid, amazing cups to finish this lovely.
2023 sipdowns: 36

Tasting note #2,000!! Is it possible I love tea even more now? My love for tea will never die. :D And it’s a good one for the 2,000 tasting note… even though I steeped this one up a couple months ago and it was a completely different tea…

Thanks for some of this with the Harney order a while ago, Nicole! I’ve only tried a few Jin Jun Mei’s but I’m used to seeing more gold in the leaves. These are pure black medium sized and medium length leaves. The flavor with two teaspoons is like a chewy pumpernickel bread. It seems a little like Laoshan black, but much deeper. It has the malty honey molasses quality to go along with that depth. Sweet with a brisk bright flavor too. This tea has many layers to it! Very delicious, but I don’t think it needed two teaspoons. It’s not overleafed too much, but a teaspoon and a half might be better. The second steep was delicious as well.
Steep #1 // 2 teaspoons for a full mug// 10 minutes after boiling // 2 1/2 minute steep
Steep #2 // few minutes after boiling // 3-4 minute steep